Joan Orpí facts for kids
Joan Orpí i del Pou, also known as Juan Orpín or Juan Urpín, was born in 1593 in Piera, Spain. He passed away on July 1, 1645, in Barcelona, Venezuela. He was a Spanish conquistador, which means he was an explorer and leader who helped Spain claim new lands. Orpí is best known for starting the city of New Barcelona in Venezuela. He also founded a region called the Province of New Catalonia, which existed from 1633 to 1654.
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Who Was Joan Orpí?
Joan Orpí was born in a town called Piera in Spain in 1593. He grew up to become a "conquistador." This means he was an explorer and leader who helped Spain claim new lands in the Americas. He played a big part in the history of Venezuela.
Early Adventures
In 1623, Joan Orpí traveled to a place called Araya in Venezuela. The next year, in 1624, the Governor of the New Andalusia Province, Diego de Arroyo Daza, gave Orpí an important job. He was named the Lieutenant General of the province. He held this position until about 1627 or 1628.
A Legal Career
Around 1627 or 1628, a high court called the Real Audiencia of Santo Domingo recognized that Joan Orpí had a law degree. He had earned this degree in Barcelona, Spain. After this, he started working as a legal representative for the Audiencia in Caracas, Venezuela.
Founding New Catalonia
In 1631, Joan Orpí moved to Santo Domingo. At that time, it was hard to communicate between the Venezuela Province (Caracas) and the New Andalusia Province (Cumaná). Orpí saw a problem and offered a solution.
The First Expedition
He suggested leading an expedition to secure the land between the Unare River and the Neverí River. This area was home to the Cumanagotos people. The King of Spain gave him special permission to do this, even though some people disagreed. Orpí's expedition started in 1632. However, it had to stop because his special permission was taken away. He then had to argue his case to the Audiencia and to the Council of the Indies to get his permission back. He succeeded in 1636.
Starting New Barcelona
A second expedition began in 1637. In February 1638, Joan Orpí founded the city of New Barcelona. Its full name was Nueva Barcelona del Cerro Santo. New Barcelona became the main city of the Province of Nueva Cataluña. Orpí had created this province in 1633. It stretched along the coast from San Felipe de Austria (Cariaco) to Cabo Codera, and down to the Orinoco River.
After Orpí's Death
Joan Orpí passed away in 1645. After his death, the Province of New Catalonia did not last long. In 1654, it was joined with the New Andalusia Province. The city of New Barcelona also had to be re-established in 1671.
See also
In Spanish: Joan Orpí para niños
